Distance: 8km
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Start in the morning from the lodge in Moshi; you will make a way to the Marangu Gate, from where the trekking journey begins with all your equipments and belongings will be both organized and packed by the porters while you spend the time on the registration process with the National Park formalities before trek through the rainforest.
On this phase, you should expect and encounter mild rain, fog, and mud. Game viewing opportunities also exist with possible sightings of Colobus monkeys.
You’ll get to reach Mandara Hut after ascending for 3 to 4 hours. Each hut has 6 to 8 sleeping bunk beds. Solar generated lightings are in place inside the huts. Flush toilets are there in central hut.
Porters will arrive at the camp early to arranging drinking and washing water and chef will prepare all the dishes from scratch for the hikers. During night hours, the temperature drops below freezing point and trekkers are advised to be prepared for that.